BMW 1 Series Sedan parts featured in a patent filling

A series of parts from the upcoming BMW 1 Series Sedan have been leaked online. The parts shown in the image below are likely from …

A series of parts from the upcoming BMW 1 Series Sedan have been leaked online. The parts shown in the image below are likely from a patent filling which is part of standard processes before a car is launched on the market. As expected, the front and rear-end parts show a slightly different design than the concept unveiled this week in China. Most of the BMW concepts go through a minor restyling before they end up in customers’ hands.

The small four-door previews the upcoming 1 series compact, BMW’s first front-drive sedan. The concept car is built on the ULK front-wheel drive platform which also underpins the new X1. It rides on a long wheelbase with the C-Pillar sitting atop the rear wheels and shorter than BMW-typical front overhang.

BMW aims to bring the 1 Series Sedan to the same proportions as the E46 3 Series, therefore filling a gap between the 1 Series Hatch and the F30 3 Series Sedan.

Under the hood, the 1 Series Sedan will carry either three- and four-cylinder inline direct-injection petrol and common-rail diesel units. 6-speed manual and 8-speed Steptronic gearboxes will be offered.

BMW is expected to launch the 1 Series Sedan in 2017 and will take on the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class and Audi A3 sedan.